2024 Presidential Campaign Blog

Never Back Down Countdown to Caucus Tour with Special Guest Gov. Ron DeSantis on January 11-14, 2024 ****Updated

Never Back Down Continues Countdown to Caucus Tour with Special Guest Gov. Ron DeSantis

DES MOINES, Iowa – Never Back Down is continuing the Countdown to Caucus tour across Iowa with special guest Gov. Ron DeSantis in the lead up to the Iowa Caucus on Monday, January 15th. NBD is hosting meet and greets, retail stops, and drop bys across the Hawkeye State from Thursday, January 11th through Sunday, January 14th.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Never Back Down will resume its Countdown to Caucus tour across Iowa with special guest Gov. Ron DeSantis in the lead up to the Iowa Caucus. NBD will host two meet and greets, a retail stop, and a drop by at NBD’s Iowa Headquarters on Saturday, January 13th. The Waterloo meet and greet will be postponed due to unsafe weather conditions, and the Davenport start time has been pushed back.

Thursday, January 11, 2024 @ 12:15 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Rock Rapids with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Vande’s Bar and Grill
117 S Story Street
Rock Rapids, IA 51246

DOORS OPEN
11:45 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
12:15 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Rock-Rapids-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Thursday, January 11, 2024 @ 2:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Le Mars with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor
115 Central Ave NW
Le Mars, IA 51031

DOORS OPEN
2:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
2:45 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Le-Mars-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Thursday, January 11, 2024 @ 5:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Ames with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Jethro’s BBQ
1301 Buckeye Ave
Ames, IA 50010

DOORS OPEN
5:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
5:45 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Ames-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Thursday, January 11, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Clive with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Bella Love Event Center
8801 University Ave
Suite 29
Clive, IA 50325

DOORS OPEN
7:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
8:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Clive-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Never Back Down Events in Clear Lake and Marshalltown Postponed Due to Unsafe Weather Conditions

Friday, January 12, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Clear Lake with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
The Boulevard Bar & Grill
1311 Bayou Road
Clear Lake, IA 50428

DOORS OPEN
9:45 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
10:15 a.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Clear-Lake-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Friday, January 12, 2024 @ 1:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Marshalltown Retail Stop with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Old Timer Tavern
401 S Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158

DOORS OPEN
1:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
1:45 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Marshalltown-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Never Back Down Events in Pella and Coralville Postponed Due to Unsafe Weather Conditions

Friday, January 12, 2024 @ 3:30 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Pella with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
The Bread Board
616 Franklin Street
Pella, IA 50219

DOORS OPEN
3:00 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
3:30 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Pella-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Friday, January 12, 2024 @ 6:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Coralville with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
X-Golf Coralville
211 E 9th Street
Coralville, IA 52241

DOORS OPEN
6:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
6:45 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Coralville-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

CONFIRMED Saturday, January 13, 2024 @ 9:30 a.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Council Bluffs with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
The Grass Wagon
10 S 29th Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

DOORS OPEN
9:00 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
9:30 a.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Council-Bluffs-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

CONFIRMED Saturday, January 13, 2024 @ 12:15 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Atlantic Retail Stop with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Downtowner Family Restaurant
222 Chestnut Street
Atlantic, IA 50022

DOORS OPEN
11:45 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
12:15 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Atlantic-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

CONFIRMED Saturday, January 13, 2024 @ 2:00 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - NBD HQ Stop with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
NBD Iowa HQ
1501 50th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266

DOORS OPEN
1:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
2:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/West-Des-Moines-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

CONFIRMED Saturday, January 13, 2024 @ 6:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Davenport with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
At The Stardust
218 Iowa Street
Davenport, IA 52801

DOORS OPEN
6:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
6:45 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Davenport-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

POSTPONED Saturday, January 13, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Waterloo with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum & Grout Museum of History and Science
503 South Street
Waterloo, IA 50701

DOORS OPEN
7:00 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
7:30 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Waterloo-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Sunday, January 14, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Dubuque with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Stone Cliff Winery
600 Star Brewery Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001

DOORS OPEN
11:30 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
12:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Dubuque-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Sunday, January 14, 2024 @ 2:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Cedar Rapids with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Chrome Horse Saloon
1201 3rd Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

DOORS OPEN
2:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
2:45 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Cedar-Rapids-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

POSTPONED Sunday, January 14, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Sioux City with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Beer Can Alley
1109 4th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101

DOORS OPEN
5:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
6:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Sioux-City-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

Sunday, January 14, 2024 @ 8:45 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Ankeny with Special Guest Governor Ron DeSantis

VENUE
The District Venue
1350 SW Vintage Pkwy
Ankeny, IA 50023

DOORS OPEN
6:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
7:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

https://events.neverbackdown.org/e/Ankeny-Countdown-to-Caucus-Tour-with-Special-Guest-Ron-DeSantis

DeSantis Campaign Launches Closing TV Ad Ahead of the Caucus: “Iowa Insults vs Iowa Values”

DeSantis Campaign Launches Closing TV Ad Ahead of the Caucus: “Iowa Insults vs Iowa Values”

New spot exposes Haley’s disparaging insult to Iowans and DeSantis’ commitment to fight for the issues of Iowans

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Ron DeSantis for President campaign today released its closing TV ad before the January 15 Iowa Caucus, exposing Haley’s recent insult to Iowans that they need to be “corrected” by the people of New Hampshire. The 30-second spot also features DeSantis’ closing message in the Hawkeye State, “Donald Trump is running for his issues. Nikki Haley's running for her donors' issues. I'm running for your issues.”

Part of the campaign's previously announced ad buy in Iowa through Caucus Day, “Iowa Insults vs Iowa Values” will air on broadcast and cable television in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport media markets.

Haley insulted Iowans at an event in New Hampshire last week. Days later, she was booed for her comments by a crowd of Iowa caucus goers at a CNN town hall in Des Moines. Her gaffe was plastered across local newscasts in Iowa and the fallout continues to accelerate a week out from Caucus Day, as Iowans, pundits, and the press corps start to realize Haley just isn’t ready to handle the scrutiny that comes with competing at this level.

Haley’s insult to Iowans paints a stark contrast with her and DeSantis, who shares Iowa values of faith, family, and freedom, has the support of key Iowa conservatives like Kim Reynolds and Bob Vanderplaats, and has visited all 99 counties in the Hawkeye State.

Watch the TV ad HERE.

TRANSCRIPT:
NARRATOR: Here's what Wall Street funded Nikki Haley just said in New Hampshire:
HALEY: You know Iowa starts it. You know that you correct it.
NARRATOR: Haley disparages the caucuses and insults you.
HALEY: You know Iowa starts it. You know that you correct it.
NARRATOR: It is Ron DeSantis who embodies and defends Iowa's values of faith, family, and freedom. He's tirelessly working to earn your support.
DESANTIS: Donald Trump is running for his issues. Nikki Haley's running for her donors' issues. I'm running for your issues.

This is the fifth ad DeSantis has run in Iowa.

“Defeat the Elites” highlighted what’s at stake in 2024 and how DeSantis is the only candidate with a proven record of beating the left and the elites.

“Iowans for Ron” featured a group of everyday Iowans explaining why it is time to move on from Donald Trump and support DeSantis.

“Endorsement” showcased Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ own words about her historic support for Ron DeSantis.

“Fight. Win. Lead” detailed how Ron DeSantis will fight and win the tough battles necessary to lead our Great American Comeback.

Never Back Down Hosting Countdown to Caucus Tour with Special Guest Gov. Ron DeSantis

Never Back Down Hosting Countdown to Caucus Tour with Special Guest Gov. Ron DeSantis

DES MOINES, Iowa – Never Back Down is hosting a Countdown to Caucus tour across Iowa with special guest Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, January 3, Friday, January 5, and Saturday, January 6. NBD will host 7 meet and greets and 2 retail stops as the Countdown to Caucus tour begins.

Wednesday, January 3, 2023 @ 9:00 a.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Waukee with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Waukee Community Center
675 Walnut Street
Waukee, IA 50263

DOORS OPEN
8:30 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, January 3, 2023 @ 12:30 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Council Bluffs with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Barley's
114 W Broadway
Council Bluffs, IA 51503

DOORS OPEN
12:00 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 3, 2023 @ 3:30 p.m. CT
Sioux City Drop By with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Johnnie Mars Family Restaurant
2401 5th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101

DOORS OPEN
3:00 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 3, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Sioux Center with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
American Legion
Doornink Brunsting Post 199
282 1st Ave NE
Sioux Center, IA 51250

DOORS OPEN
5:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
6:00 p.m.

Friday, January 5, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Cumming, Iowa with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Middlebrook Mercantile
4125 Cumming Ave.
Cumming, IA 50061

DOORS OPEN
9:30 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
10:00 a.m.

Friday, January 5, 2023 @ 2:30 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Decorah with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Elks Lodge
105 River Street
Decorah, IA 52101

DOORS OPEN
2:00 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
2:30 p.m.

Friday, January 5, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Cedar Falls with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Cedar Falls Woman's Club
304 Clay Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

DOORS OPEN
5:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 6, 2023 @ 9:00 a.m. CT
Countdown to Caucus Tour - Dubuque with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Gary Dolphin's Iron Bar
333 E 10th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001

DOORS OPEN
8:30 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
9:00 a.m.

Saturday, January 6, 2023 @ 2:45 p.m. CT
Cedar Rapids Drop By with Special Guest Ron DeSantis

VENUE
Tommy's West Restaurant
393 Edgewood Road Northwest
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

DOORS OPEN
2:15 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
2:45 p.m.

Ron DeSantis Campaign Launches New Ad: “Defeat the Elites”

DeSantis Campaign Launches New Ad: “Defeat the Elites”

New spot highlights what is at stake in 2024 and how DeSantis is the only candidate with a proven record of beating the left and the elites

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Ron DeSantis for President campaign today launched its latest television ad ahead of the January 15 Iowa Caucus, emphasizing what is at stake in 2024 if Joe Biden remains in power and how Ron DeSantis is right person to defeat the elites running Washington as president because he is the only candidate in the race with a proven track record of doing so. The 30-second spot chronicles the big victories DeSantis has won against the liberal elites, including Anthony Fauci, the teachers union, and Soros-Backed prosecutors.

Part of the campaign's previously announced ad buy in Iowa through Caucus Day, “Defeating the Elites,” will air on broadcast and cable television in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport media markets.

Watch “Defeat the Elites" HERE.

TRANSCRIPT

NARRATOR: They’ve corrupted our institutions, indoctrinated our kids, opened our border, weaponized government against us, and destroyed the American Dream. Ron DeSantis is the only candidate who has defeated them.

Ron DeSantis (clip): We beat the teachers union, we beat Fauci on COVID, I beat Soros.

Ron DeSantis (clip): And as your president, I will not let you down.

BACKGROUND

This is the fourth ad DeSantis has run in Iowa.
“Iowans for Ron” featured a group of everyday Iowans explaining why it is time to move on from Donald Trump and support DeSantis.
“Endorsement” showcased Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ own words about her historic support for Ron DeSantis.
“Fight. Win. Lead” detailed how Ron DeSantis will fight and win the tough battles necessary to lead our Great American Comeback.

Never Back Down Hosting Iowa Events with Special Guests Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Never Back Down Hosting Iowa Events with Special Guests Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy

ATLANTA, Ga. - Never Back Down is hosting Iowa events with special guests Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy on Tuesday, December 19th. NBD will host meet and greets in Cedar Rapids, Mason City, and Ankeny, Iowa.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @ 9:30 a.m. CT
Cedar Rapids Meet & Greet With Special Guests Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Chip Roy

VENUE
VFW Post 788
3240 Southgate Place SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

DOORS OPEN
9:00 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
9:30 a.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @ 12:00 p.m. CT
Mason City Meet & Greet With Special Guests Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Chip Roy

VENUE
The Corner Pizza and Alehouse
30 E State Street
Mason City, IA 50401

DOORS OPEN
11:30 a.m.

EVENT BEGINS
12:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
Ankeny Meet & Greet With Special Guests Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Chip Roy

VENUE
Jethro's BBQ n' LakeHouse
1425 SW Vintage Parkway
Ankeny, IA 50023

DOORS OPEN
5:30 p.m.

EVENT BEGINS
6:00 p.m.

GENERAL ADMISSION
Register Here

The Republican Party of Minnesota Announces 2024 Republican Presidential Primary Candidates

HANN ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATES

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Republican Party of Minnesota is excited to announce that its 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot is finalized. Just this morning, Chairman David Hann submitted the following five candidates to Secretary Simon per Statute 207A.13:

Former Governor Chris Christie
Governor Ron DeSantis
Former Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley
Vivek Ramaswamy
Former President Donald J. Trump

The presidential primary will be held on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, with absentee voting beginning on January 19th. Chairman Hann encourages every Minnesotan to find their polling place at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ and vote!

RELEASE: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: DeSantis “Won the Night” with his “Best Debate to Date”

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: DeSantis “Won the Night” with his “Best Debate to Date”
“Ron DeSantis clearly won tonight's debate.” “Clear Winner.” “Assertive.” “He delivered.” “Drew loud cheers.”

Campaign Manager James Uthmeier: Ron DeSantis did exactly what he had to do tonight. He showed up. He's a fighter. We know that but he's a fighter and he wins. This is yet another debate victory for him. And for him, he wins not just because he's strong and principled, he doesn't waver and give different answers based on what state or audience he's visiting, what day of the week it is, he is principled. He sticks to his guns. And then he has the record of results.

Senior Advisor David Polyansky: When the lights were brightest tonight, @RonDeSantis delivered. Nikki Haley withered.

Campaign Manager James Uthmeier: Ron DeSantis won tonight. He's won every debate so far. He continues to get stronger, and he's got the record of wins to prove that he can do the job when he gets to the White House.

Iowa State Senator Dan Zumbach: Ron DeSantis has a group of folks that are standing behind that will go to the caucus will support it will caucus for men will vote for I think the vote there pulling a lot of people that are just trump, people that aren't necessarily clock scores. I think the polls are inaccurate.

Iowa Voter Deborah: He’s got executive experience and a record of winning — and that’s the most important thing... DeSantis is convincing voters with policy and a record.
Mark Levin: The winner of last night’s debate is right. The media are pushing hard for Haley, as are the Wall Street billionaires and RINO establishment. But nobody is buying this.

Bill O’Reilly: The winner of the debate...was DeSantis...DeSantis tapped into the emotion that Republican voters are feeling... Haley came across as an Establishment figure. She’s distant. She’s not a culture warrior.

Terry Sullivan: I agree with the governor that DeSantis had his strongest night last night.

Josh Holmes: I thought Ron DeSantis did a very nice job of translating conservative anxieties into accomplishments that he had already done in Florida.

CNN Panel: This was an example of Haley receding a little bit in a way that I don’t think really helped her... DeSantis did well.

Dan Bongino: Who won? I think DeSantis won.

Abby Philip: We do have to give DeSantis some credit. He had a very strong debate.

Chris Cuomo: DeSantis gave a voice to an issue in America…that I have not heard from any of these candidates on the other side until the way he said it tonight.

Philadelphia Radio Host Dom Giordano: Ron DeSantis clearly won tonight's debate.

Glenn Beck: I thought [DeSantis] put in a very strong performance last night.

Scott Jennings: DeSantis churns out solid, Republican conservative content on virtually every question. He did not bobble a single question tonight.

Jason Chaffetz: I think Ron DeSantis by far had the best debate. I think he is still head and shoulders over anybody else up on that debate stage. I think more people in the country want to be like Florida. They want the electoral success that Ron DeSantis had in turning a purple state red. But they also want to be like Florida, they like their tax scheme, the regulatory, everything about Florida. That’s why I think Ron DeSantis won the debate and is winning on the people that watched that debate.”

Scott Walker: I think there's no doubt about it. [DeSantis] had a good one.

Mark Tepper: Ron DeSantis was the clear winner.

RealClearPolitics: Fresh off an exhibition debate with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and sensing a threat in Haley, a more aggressive DeSantis was in evidence than the man who had appeared at the previous debates...DeSantis did not fade, like some of his supporters have complained of in his previous outings, and instead demonstrated the pugilism that made him famous during the pandemic.

Politico: Ron DeSantis had his best debate performance of the cycle

Washington Times: This was probably [DeSantis’] best debate to date

The Hill: The Florida governor had arguably his strongest debate performance so far during the primary cycle, taking an active role in the conversation throughout the night and landing attacks on multiple opponents.

Fits News: DeSantis chimed in frequently, earning one of the night’s biggest applause bursts when he said about children having gender-changing surgery, “You do not have the right to abuse your kids. This is mutilating these minors; these are irreversible procedures.”

Wall Street Journal: DeSantis hit the most consistently conservative points, including the cultural issues animating the party, blasting “gender mutilation” for minors.

ABC: DeSantis made the case that he's got a conservative track record full of election victories and policy wins.

Newsweek: DeSantis appeared assertive throughout the night, and was quick to jump on Haley with any chance he was given. Cheers from the crowd also appeared to pick up throughout the debate for the Florida governor, and he was quick to put to bed any doubts about his campaign

AP: DeSantis drew loud cheers when he said parents “do not have the right to abuse” their kids in response to Christie’s remarks about signing legislation as governor of New Jersey to provide guidance for schools to protect transgender students.

Washington Examiner: Of the candidates onstage, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) came out best, with a smooth performance that stayed relatively above the fray and seemed to connect with the Alabama audience.

Washington Post: He delivered a crisp and even performance, making no notable mistakes and repeatedly putting Haley on defense on issues such as her encouragement of investment from China when she was governor of South Carolina.

New York Times: [DeSantis] delivered what many observed was his strongest performance to date, pressing Ms. Haley on her Wall Street donors and ties to corporate America while easily fending off his other foes.

Politico: DeSantis won

National Review: It was DeSantis’s best primary-debate performance by far.

The Hill: This was clearly the Florida governor’s best debate performance so far — and one that delivered a boost to his campaign just when it was most needed.

Hillsdale's Kirstin Kiledal: [DeSantis] more than any others had a bit of that story that’s so important to gaining a sense of authenticity and credibility. He had people and names and places and examples of work that he had done where he had been successful, over and over again.

Ron Brownstein: FWIW, thought that was DeSantis' best #debate

RELEASE: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: DeSantis Wins 4th Debate

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: DeSantis Wins 4th Debate
“DeSantis killed it.” “Bringing the fire tonight.” “DeSantis’ best debate by far.” “DeSantis is taking over this debate.” “Clearly the best.”

Campaign Manager James Uthmeier: Ron DeSantis did exactly what he had to do tonight. He showed up. He's a fighter. We know that but he's a fighter and he wins. This is yet another debate victory for him. And for him, he wins not just because he's strong and principled, he doesn't waver and give different answers based on what state or audience he's visiting, what day of the week it is, he is principled. He sticks to his guns. And then he has the record of results.

Michael Brendan Dougherty: DeSantis’ best debate. Not sure the dynamics will change. Hard to know whether the live audience matters anymore in a time of viral clip sharing.
Matt Walsh: This was the best debate for Ron DeSantis.

Dan McLaughlin: DeSantis closes with his strongest suit: he’ll fight, he won’t back down from any battles, he’s the guy who will stand in and take it.
Alex Salvi: This is DeSantis’s best debate. This is Haley’s worst debate.

Erick Erickson: I think the debate was DeSantis’s strongest and Haley’s weakest. I think all the attacks on Haley show she has momentum, but under the weight of them she underperformed. Christie continues to give the clearest answers to the questions.

Scott Jennings: DeSantis scored points on transgender surgeries for minors ... controlled that conversation and dunked on Christie. #GOPDebate

Clay Travis: My biggest takeaways from tonight’s debate: 1. Vivek and Nikki really hate each other. 2. This was Nikki Haley’s worst debate so far. 3. Chris Christie looks like he’s going to endorse Nikki when he drops out. 4. This was Desantis’s best debate.

Miranda Devine: Winner: DeSantis. Above the fray, increasingly surefooted, most applauded;

Kim Reynolds: .@RonDeSantis proves again that he’s focused, knows how to fight for our values, and delivers on his promises. He’s the most effective leader I’ve seen, and he showed that tonight.

Megan Basham: DeSantis did the most good for his campaign tonight and NewsNation is unquestionably the big winner. By far the best debate because the moderators actually asked about issues that the Republican base care about. Big question, why didn't Fox do this when they had a chance?

Jenna Ellis: DEBATE RECAP: Ron DeSantis was the clear and runaway winner. The GOP could not ask for a better, more solid conservative candidate who UNDERSTANDS and IMPLEMENTS and racks up WINS. Vivek Ramaswamy spoke uncomfortable truth. Nikki Haley was absolutely CRUSHED and destroyed. Christie rightly called out Trump for running a campaign on retribution... but while running a campaign on retribution against Trump.

Curtis Houck: "I signed it, you didn't." Results. #GOPDebate

Kaitlan Collins: DeSantis “had a stronger debate than what we’ve seen him do in the last debates”

Abby Phillip: We do have to give DeSantis some credit; he had a very strong debate

Scott Jennings: DeSantis churns out solid Republican, conservative content on virtually every question

Matt Walsh: Nikki Haley repeats the Left’s framing of Florida’s parental rights legislation, calling it the “don’t say gay” bill

Dana Loesch: DeSantis has won two debates two weeks in a row now. His biggest asset is his record.

Will Cain: That was the strongest moment of any debate for DeSantis.

Rep. Skyler Wheeler: “I don’t think men should be going into little girl’s bathrooms.” @RonDeSantis Best debate for him by far. These are issues that he is dominant on.
Daniel Horowitz: Ron getting to the core that there is a subculture that undergirds the terrorism. Let's stop talking around it.

Bob Vander Plaats: Best line of the night so far is from @RonDeSantis, “Voters make the decisions, not polls.” #ChooseWell2024

Bill O’Reilly: .@RonDeSantis is winning the debate. My staff is checking the @NikkiHaley "wealth" situation and we'll have it tomorrow. #GOPDebate @NewsNation

Kellie Meyer: DEBATE 🧵 Loudest cheers inside the debate hall for DeSantis. Then Haley. Then Vivek. Then Christie. @NewsNation

Erick Erickson: DeSantis wins the debate with Calvin Coolidge, the best President.

Charlie Kirk: DeSantis is going full attack mode against Nikki Haley. He's calling her bought and paid for. He's saying she'll cave to her donors and go soft on China. He's not holding back. He is going right at the Koch-centric bought and paid for agenda. Wherever you are on DeSantis, this is good for the conservative movement.

Julia Johnson: HUGE applause for DeSantis pointing out "you don't have the right to abuse your kids" as Christie equates legislation on transgender surgeries on children with a slippery slope intervening on parental rights

Jordan Schachtel: Man, DeSantis is taking over this debate. Poised and targeted strikes. Has Nikki in a full meltdown.

Susan Crabtree: DeSantis is bringing the fire tonight.

Bobby Burack: Ron DeSantis has impressed the past two GOP debates and debate with Newsom. Of the four on stage-- and I find two of them nauseating--he is clearly the best.

Joel Pollak: .@DeSantis calls what the DOJ did to Trump with the "Russia collusion" investigation "one of the biggest abuses of power in the history of our country." Absolutely

Dr. Cody Hoefert: Everything Haley says about @RonDeSantis on every issue he just stands there and says yep and I signed that bill. It’s the difference between talking and action…..the difference between leadership and speeches. #GOPDebate

Bob Vander Plaats: I’m biased because I’ve endorsed @RonDeSantis That said, this is a really tough night for @NikkiHaley I’m sure there will be a lot of fact checking but the soundbites coming out of this debate are brutal.

Dana Loesch: "Aa a parent, you do not have the right to abuse your kids" -- DeSantis on medical mutilation of minors. Haley says that she didn't say this

Marc Caputo: ...DeSantis’s best debate. To the degree he needed to have a moment and stop Haley from standing out, tonight did it

Michael Duncan: DeSantis killed it on the student loan answer. Great stuff. #GOPDebate

David Drucker: TUSCALOOSA, AL — @RonDeSantis owned the second segment of the @NewsNation debate w/ solid answers on the border security & the economy. His team has to be pleased.

Megan Basham: DeSantis to Haley--"I signed a bathroom bill keeping boys out of girls bathrooms. You did not. I protected girls. You did not." 🔥🔥🔥

Scott Morefield: Ron DeSantis gives Nikki Haley the Gavin Newsom treatment on China, then brilliantly defends her attempt to hit back. A total slam dunk. My goodness.

Steve Deace: Ron clearly won that exchange on China with Haley, who also directly went after Trump in a debate for the first time in a debate I can remember.

Curtis Houck: .@RonDeSantis wasn't rattled and clearly won this exchange. To argue he's not tough on China when he's been saying for years the Chinese Communist Party is America's biggest threat is ludicrous. Also, anytime you brag about having Wall Street donors is MAJOR cringe #GOPDebate

Matt Whitlock: When people found out what this bill actually did (and that “don’t say gay” was an outrageous lie) they overwhelmingly supported it - across the political spectrum.

Steve Deace: Great answer on the border by DeSantis. Loved the analogy of filtering through Iraqis in “man dresses” as similar to filtering through the crowd at the border.
Scott Jennings: I thought DeSantis handled the opening broadside from Megyn Kelly pretty well. She hammered him for like 5 minutes. #GOPDebate

Marc Caputo: DeSantis on using deadly force to stop border crossers: “I am not going to sit there and allow mothers to lose more kids because of fentanyl overdoses. I am not going to sit there and let set trafficking go unabated or human trafficking go unabated.”

Jenna Ellis: Nikki Haley outright lied about DeSantis, who did not support or push the legislation that would have punished bloggers who critiqued Florida’s government. That was crafted by A LEGISLATOR, not DeSantis.

Joel Pollak: .@RonDeSantis argues that the U.S. should stop trying to patrol the Israeli response to Hamas and simply support its war effort, plus pressure Iran economically

Steve Deace: Great point by DeSantis on the Founding Fathers needing anonymity.

Dana Loesch: Good answer from DeSantis. What people have to understand is that it’s all about the delegate race right now in these early states.

Julia Manchester: DeSantis noting his past military service in the Middle East when addressing the Israel-Hamas War: "I understand that part of the world."

Curtis Houck: Great answer from @RonDeSantis about Orwellian requirements to participate in the public square. #GOPDebate

Mary Margaret Olohan: DeSantis slams Haley for her remark: “I think the law should stay out of it and parents should handle it" in reference to kids and trans procedures.

DeSantis: "You can't stand against child abuse, how are you going to be able to stand up for anything?"

Bobby Burack: Ron DeSantis has impressed the past two GOP debates and debate with Newsom. Of the four on stage-- and I find two of them nauseating--he is clearly the best.

Jordan Schachtel: DeSantis has taken over. I am a biased observer but IMO he’s sweeping the floor with these opponents.

Scott Jennings: DeSantis is delivering some solid content. He's not the center of attention, but he's been solid on each policy topic and the student loan turn was sharp. #GOPDebate

Dr. Abby Johnson: One thing is clear: Every single time DeSantis steps up to the debate stage, he proves that he is perfectly fit and prepared for this moment. He would, without question, be a fantastic President.

Release: Never Back Down Issues Statement on Gov. DeSantis’ Debate Night Victory

RELEASE: Never Back Down Issues Statement on Gov. DeSantis’ Debate Night Victory

ATLANTA, Ga. - Never Back Down Chairman Scott Wagner issued the following statement after the GOP primary debate in Tuscaloosa:

“Ron DeSantis proved tonight why the Media, the Left, and the Establishment fear him most. His decisive debate victory shows exactly why he’s perfectly positioned to take on Trump, be the Republican nominee, soundly defeat Joe Biden, and deliver for the American people.

DeSantis wins without sacrificing principled leadership — he doesn’t bend the knee to Wall Street donors or D.C. ruling class elites — and he consistently delivers result after result. Governor DeSantis has shown the strength and courage to not only take on the big fights for conservatives but also to win for the people. He’s surged Florida’s economy, backed the blue and drove crime to a 50-year low, protected parents, families, and children against petty tyrants like Anthony Fauci, fought back against woke corporations and bad actors trying to rob our children of their innocence, and proved he’s the only one who can beat the Democrats in a traditional swing state by a historic landslide.

That’s why his support across Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina is catching fire right now aided by the backing of other true conservative leaders like Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. And that’s why he eviscerated Gavin Newsom last week, everyone else on the stage tonight, and why no one else will defeat Donald Trump and Joe Biden.”

Release: DeSantis: Clear Winner in 4th Primary Debate

DeSantis: Clear Winner in 4th Primary Debate
“DeSantis doesn’t change his principles based on his audience or what big donors think - he’s the principled fighter who delivers results for the American People.”

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Ron DeSantis presented a clear and compelling vision for his presidency in his victory in the Fourth Republican Presidential Primary Debate hosted by NewsNation.

Following the debate, Ron DeSantis for President campaign manager James Uthmeier said:

“Ron DeSantis is the only candidate who will fight, win, and lead our nation’s revival - and tonight’s debate victory made that clear. Tonight, voters saw Ron as the only strong conservative on stage. And unlike Nikki Haley, who caves to the media, CCP, corporate democrats, and supporters of gender mutilation for minors, DeSantis doesn’t change his principles based on his audience or what big donors think - he’s the principled fighter who delivers results for the American People. Ron DeSantis is the strong leader who will lead our party to win again.”

The top moment of the night came when DeSantis said: “If you're not willing to stand up and say that it is wrong to mutilate these kids, then you're not going to fight for the people back home. I will fight for you, and I will win for you.”

“We have a great idea in America that the voters actually make these decisions, not pundits or pollsters. I'm sick of hearing about these polls, because I remember those polls in November of 2022. They said there was going to be a big red wave, it was going to be monumental, and that crashed and burned. The one place that didn't crash and burn was in the state of Florida. They weren't predicting that I would win the way I did, and I won the greatest Republican victory in the history of the state of Florida.
I'm looking forward to Iowa and New Hampshire. The voters are going to be able to speak and we're going to earn this nomination. And here's what we need. I am sick of Republicans who are not willing to stand up and fight back against what the left is doing to this country. You've got to be willing to stand strong, and you've got to be willing to beat these people.

I'm the only one running for president that has beaten these people on issue after issue. We beat the teachers’ unions when we did school choice. We beat Fauci on COVID. We beat George Soros.

What we need for this country, and you have other candidates up here like Nikki Haley. She caves anytime the left comes after her, anytime the media comes after I did a bill in Florida to stop the gender mutilation of minors. It's child abuse, and it's wrong. She opposes that bill.

She thinks it's fine, and the law shouldn't get involved with it. If you're not willing to stand up for the kids - If you're not willing to stand up and say that it is wrong to mutilate these kids, then you're not going to fight for the people back home. I will fight for you, and I will win for you.”

The biggest applause of the night came when DeSantis said: “As a parent, you do not have the right to abuse your kids.”

“As a parent, you do not have the right to abuse your kids. This is mutilating these minors. These are irreversible procedures. And this is something that other countries in Europe like Sweden - Once they started doing it, they saw it did incalculable damage. They've shut it down. I signed legislation in Florida banning the mutilation of minors because it is wrong. We cannot allow this to happen in this country. And I know Chris disagrees with me. And I think he has an honest position. Nikki disagrees with me. She opposes the bill that we did the ban that she said law shouldn't get involved with it.

You said the law shouldn't get involved with it. She also though, I think - And this flows from what she did as governor of South Carolina. You know, they had a bill to try to say that men shouldn't go into girls’ bathrooms. And she killed that bill. And she bragged that she killed that bill. Even to this day she bragged that. I don't think men should be going into little girls’ bathrooms. I think it's wrong. And I think we have every right to protect them from that.”